Porsche has once again etched its name into the record books at the Nürburgring, achieving a remarkable lap time of 7:24.17 with its upcoming high-performance Panamera variant. Test driver Lars Kern was behind the wheel for this impressive feat on the infamous track, showcasing the Panamera’s capabilities in what was once considered supercar territory.
To put this achievement in perspective, the new Panamera outpaces notable competitors from the past. The Maserati MC12 previously held a record of 7:24.29 from 2008, while Porsche’s own 997-generation 911 GT2 RS completed the circuit in 7:24 just two years later. The latest Panamera variant has managed to beat its predecessor’s time by 5.64 seconds, setting a new benchmark for luxury-class cars with combustion engines and hybrids. The previous record-holder in this category was the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S, which lapped the Nürburgring in 7:27.80 back in November 2020.
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The record-setting car, which was equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and featured the optional Carbon Aerokit to manage front-axle lift, was almost stock, with only a mandatory roll cage and a racing seat for the driver added. Although Porsche has yet to officially unveil the model, it is widely speculated to be the next-generation Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. This inference is supported by the fact that the new Panamera’s lap time of 7:24.17 plus the 5.64-second improvement equals 7:29.81, aligning perfectly with the previous-generation Turbo S’s record.
While detailed specifications remain under wraps, Porsche has confirmed that the V8 engine will return in this new model. Anticipate a more robust powertrain compared to the 2024 Turbo E-Hybrid, which boasts 670 horsepower and 685 pound-feet of torque. Lars Kern highlighted the significant contributions of various factors, including the new Porsche Active Ride chassis and the ultra-high-performance Michelin tires, to the Panamera’s record-setting performance.
